Intel Widens Centrino’s Communication Options.

Intel Corp. has added a new connectivity option to its Centrino platform, a base platform for a wide spectre of notebooks shipped nowadays, that allows forthcoming notebooks to connect new and faster wireless local area networks.

The company’s new WLAN module, the PRO/Wireless 2915ABG, allows end-users to connect various wireless LANs, including those comply to 802.11b, 802.11a and 802.11g and allowing data transfer rate of 11Mbps or 54Mbps.

Along with the new Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection, Intel is also delivering the Intel PROSet/Wireless Software version 9.0. The updated software includes a tool called the Intel Smart Wireless Solution which is made up of a configuration wizard, advanced troubleshooting and automated security set up. The technology detects and shows all available networks and offers advanced profile management so users can more easily connect to different wireless networks while at home, in the office or on the road.

To help protect end-users and keep corporate information safe, Intel has included the latest wireless LAN security solutions in its new wireless offering. For enterprise users, this module supports the new IEEE 802.11i security standard, which offers the highest level of security currently available. Enterprise users can also employ a single sign-on feature during login to seamlessly authenticate users on the wireless network. Advanced auto-detection and auto-select security capabilities make it easier for wireless users to employ the highest available security settings. The technology currently supports Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and WEP security, and is expected to support WPA2, when available.

The Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection will be featured in Intel Centrino mobile technology-based notebook PCs that will be introduced worldwide beginning in September and continuing throughout the fourth quarter of this year. In 10 000-unit quantities, the Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG network connection is priced at $27.